Forgiveness

Forgiveness

When on a fragrant scandal tree

    The woodman's axe descends,

And she, who bloomed so beauteously,

    Beneath the weapon bends.

E'en on the edge that wrought her death,
Dying she breathes her sweetest breath,
As if to token in her fall
Peace to her foes, and love to all.

How hardly man this lesson learns,
To smile, and bless the hand that spurns:
To see the blow, to feel the pain,
And render only love again!
ONE had it - but He came from heaven;
Reviled, rejected and betrayed,
No curse He breathed, no plaint He made;
But when in death's dark pang He sighed,
Prayed for his murderers, and died.

J. Edmonston

New Series 2:5, p. 20

1841.04.03